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This is plain-language harm-reduction information, not medical advice. Peptides discussed here are research compounds; most are not approved for human use. People will use them either way — we would rather they have the facts.
What it is
SS-31 (also known as elamipretide) is a synthetic peptide that targets the inner membrane of mitochondria. It binds to cardiolipin, a lipid that maintains the structure that allows mitochondria to produce ATP efficiently.
It is in legitimate clinical trials for genetic mitochondrial diseases (Barth syndrome, primary mitochondrial myopathy).
History
Developed by Hazel Szeto at Cornell in the 2000s. Multiple Phase II and Phase III trials ongoing for mitochondrial disorders.
How it works
Concentrates ~5000-fold in the inner mitochondrial membrane and stabilises cardiolipin, improving electron transport chain efficiency and reducing reactive oxygen species leakage.
Dosage
- 2–5 mg daily, often cycled (e.g. 6 weeks on, 4 weeks off).
How it is taken
- Subcutaneous belly injection.
How to reconstitute
- 10 mg vial with 2 ml BAC water = 5 mg/ml. 2.5 mg = 50 units on a 1 ml insulin syringe.
How it should arrive
White powder, sealed vial.
How it should look once reconstituted
Clear colourless solution.
What to expect, and when
- Energy and endurance: 2–4 weeks.
- Recovery and subjective wellbeing: 4–8 weeks.
Side effects
- Injection-site irritation (most common adverse event in trials).
- Some users report increased energy and others report mild fatigue early on.
Risks
- Long-term safety in healthy users not established.
- Pricier than many peptides.
Potential gains
- Improved endurance and energy.
- Some users report better recovery.
- Modest body composition support.
Other useful information
Interesting peptide because it has a real clinical development pipeline behind it. Stacks well with MOTS-c for a metabolic / mitochondrial protocol.
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